workshop-presentation-design

Workshop & Presentation Design

Teach effectively through structured experiences.

Format Selection

Format	Duration	Audience Size	Interaction
Lightning talk	5-10 min	Any	Low
Conference talk	20-45 min	Large	Low-Medium
Workshop	1-4 hours	10-30	High
Tutorial	2-8 hours	5-20	Very High
Course	Multi-day	Varies	Structured

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Talk Design

The Arc

Hook → Context → Core Content → Transformation → Call to Action

  │        │           │              │              │
  └────────┴───────────┴──────────────┴──────────────┘
                    One Clear Idea

Talk Structure Template

0-5%    HOOK
        - Surprising fact, question, or story
        - Why should they care?

5-15%   CONTEXT
        - Background needed to understand
        - Where this fits in larger picture

15-85%  CORE CONTENT
        - 3-5 key points (rule of three)
        - Examples and evidence for each
        - Build logically

85-95%  TRANSFORMATION
        - What changes with this knowledge?
        - The "so what?"

95-100% CALL TO ACTION
        - What should they do next?
        - Memorable closing

The Rule of Three

People remember three things. Structure around:

• Three main points
• Three examples
• Three takeaways

Slide Design

Principles:

• One idea per slide
• Minimal text (6 words or less ideal)
• Large, legible fonts (24pt minimum)
• High contrast
• Images > text when possible

Avoid:

• Bullet point walls
• Reading slides aloud
• Clip art
• Busy backgrounds
• Tiny text "you probably can't see this but..."

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Workshop Design

Learning Objectives

Write objectives using Bloom's Taxonomy verbs:

Level	Verbs	Example
Remember	List, define, recall	"List the 5 principles of..."
Understand	Explain, describe, summarize	"Explain how X affects Y"
Apply	Use, implement, solve	"Apply the framework to..."
Analyze	Compare, contrast, examine	"Analyze the trade-offs..."
Evaluate	Judge, critique, assess	"Evaluate which approach..."
Create	Design, build, produce	"Create a working prototype..."

Workshop Arc

OPEN (10-15%)
├── Welcome, housekeeping
├── Learning objectives
├── Icebreaker/activation
└── Baseline assessment

EXPLORE (30-40%)
├── Core concept introduction
├── Demonstration
├── Guided practice
└── Check for understanding

PRACTICE (30-40%)
├── Independent/group work
├── Real-world application
├── Troubleshooting
└── Peer feedback

CLOSE (10-15%)
├── Debrief and discussion
├── Key takeaways
├── Resources for continued learning
└── Feedback collection

Time Allocation

Activity Type	Attention Span	Max Duration
Lecture	Low	10-15 min
Discussion	Medium	15-20 min
Hands-on	High	30-45 min
Group work	Medium-High	20-30 min

Rule: Change modality every 15-20 minutes.

Activity Types

Activity	Purpose	Group Size
Think-Pair-Share	Low-risk participation	2
Gallery Walk	Share work, get feedback	4-6 stations
Jigsaw	Divide & teach	4-6 per group
Fishbowl	Model discussion	Inner: 4-6
Live Coding	Demonstrate process	Any
Code Review	Practice critique	2-4

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Facilitation Techniques

Opening Strong

• Start on time (respect early arrivers)
• State what they'll be able to do by end
• Create psychological safety
• Activate prior knowledge

Engagement Techniques

Cold calling alternatives:

• "Turn to your neighbor and discuss..."
• "Take 30 seconds to write..."
• "Show of hands..."
• "In the chat, share..."

Energy management:

• Movement breaks every 45-60 min
• Vary activity types
• Use music during exercises
• Energizer activities after breaks

Handling Questions

Situation	Response
Off-topic	"Great question—let's parking lot that"
Too advanced	"Let's connect after for that deep dive"
You don't know	"I don't know, but I'll find out"
Dominating questioner	"Let's hear from someone else"

Managing Time

• Build in buffer (plan for 80% of time)
• Have "skip if needed" sections marked
• Have extension activities ready
• Visible timer for activities

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Materials Preparation

Slides Checklist

• Title slide with name/contact
• Agenda/outline
• Learning objectives
• Content slides (one idea each)
• Activity instruction slides
• Transition slides
• Summary/key takeaways
• Resources/further reading
• Thank you + contact info

Handouts

Types:

• Reference: Info to keep (cheat sheets, resources)
• Worksheet: Fill in during session
• Exercise: Hands-on practice materials

Tech Prep

• Test slides on presentation machine
• Backup slides (USB, cloud, email to self)
• Test demos/live coding
• Check internet requirements
• Prepare offline alternatives
• Test audio/video
• Have backup plan for tech failure

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Virtual Presentations

Platform Considerations

• Test platform features beforehand
• Know how to share screen, use whiteboard
• Use polls, reactions, breakout rooms
• Shorter sessions (max 90 min without break)

Engagement Tactics

• More frequent interaction (every 3-5 min)
• Use chat actively
• Call on people by name
• Breakout rooms for discussion
• Polls for quick feedback

Technical Setup

• Hardwired internet if possible
• Close unnecessary applications
• Second monitor for notes/chat
• Good lighting (face the window)
• Eye-level camera
• Quality microphone

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Evaluation & Iteration

Immediate Feedback

Quick feedback form:
1. What was most valuable?
2. What was least valuable?
3. What questions remain?
4. Net Promoter Score (1-10)

Post-Session Reflection

• What went well?
• What fell flat?
• What questions came up?
• What would I change?
• What resources do I need to add?

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Lightning Talk Template

5-Minute Talk Structure:

0:00 - 0:30  HOOK
             Surprising statement or question

0:30 - 1:00  CONTEXT
             Why this matters

1:00 - 3:30  THE ONE THING
             Your main point with evidence/example

3:30 - 4:30  IMPLICATIONS
             What changes because of this

4:30 - 5:00  CALL TO ACTION
             What they should do next

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References

• references/activity-library.md - Workshop activities catalog
• references/slide-templates.md - Slide design patterns
• references/facilitation-scripts.md - Opening/closing scripts